JETBLUE wants to stay competitive, which is good news for basic economy fliers.
Those looking to travel on a budget no longer have to worry about squeezing a week's worth of clothes into a bag.
The airline has announced that passengers with basic economy tickets will soon be able to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item.
The change will take effect for flights starting September 6, regardless of when the ticket was purchased.
JetBlue execs explained that the upgrade is a way to keep the airline a top choice.
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"Carry-on bags are an important piece of travel to customers, and when presented with a choice between JetBlue’s award-winning service and another carrier’s basic offering, we want JetBlue to be the easy winner,” JetBlue’s President Marty St. George said in a statement.
“We’re always looking for ways to evolve our offering in response to customer preferences.
"This is a win-win as we improve the customer experience and keep JetBlue competitive in our industry.”
While customers will be entitled to a carry-on in September, bringing it on board will be subject to space.
Passengers may expect to be asked to check in their luggage at the gate.
"While many of JetBlue’s aircraft are outfitted with larger overhead bins to accommodate more customers, in the event of space constraints, customers may be required to check carry-on bags at the gate for no additional charge,” the airline’s statement said.
To guarantee free overhead space, the airline recommends customers upgrade to Blue, the next tier up from Basic Economy or Blue Basic.
“Customers who want to board earlier to utilize overhead bin space will now find even more value in purchasing the more flexible Blue fare –JetBlue’s second lowest fare that comes with free advanced seat selection, no cancellation or change fees, and general boarding," the statement said.
"Blue Basic customers remain the final group to board.”
Previously, JetBlue customers had to upgrade to Blue or purchase an "Even More Space" seat if they wanted to store a carry-on in the overhead bin.
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JetBlue introduced its "Blue Basic" option in 2019 as an affordable fare option for budget travelers.
This is a win-win as we improve the customer experience and keep JetBlue competitive in our industry.
Marty St. George
At the time, passengers were allowed to bring a carry-on, but that quickly changed when the company removed the perk.
In 2021, JetBlue followed in United Airline's footsteps, banning basic economy passengers from bringing carry-on bags on board.
Like American Airlines, which attempted the same strategy, the airline has reversed its decision.
With the upcoming changes, United Airlines remains one of the only major U.S. airlines not to allow carry-on bags with a basic economy ticket.
The upgrade also makes JetBlue one of the only U.S. airlines to offer free unlimited WiFi onboard and a free carry-on bag.
Other aspects of Blue Basic, such as no changes and the $100 cancellation fee per person, or $200 for transatlantic flights, remain unchanged.
